Monument-Obelisk to Soldiers-Internationalists

Historical background:The Monument-Obelisk to Soldiers-Internationalists was erected in memory of servicemen who took part in the Afghan War and of those who died far from their homeland.

On 25 December 1979, Soviet troops entered the territory of Afghanistan. Military operations continued until 15 February 1989. The war lasted 2,238 days and left a deep mark on the lives of many families across the former Soviet Union.

More than 22,000 Kazakhstanis took part in the Afghan War. According to historical data, 924 Kazakhstani servicemen were killed, 1,015 returned with disabilities, and 21 went missing. Aktobe residents were also among those who served in Afghanistan. According to Kazinform, the monument in Aktobe is dedicated to 26 fallen soldiers from the region and one local serviceman who went missing during the Afghan War.

Description of the monument: The monument is designed in the form of a kulpytas, a traditional memorial stone, split in two. At the top of the composition there is a five-pointed star enclosed in a circle. At the lower part of the two divided stone elements there is a bronze image of a flower.

On the front side of the stylobate there is an inscription in Russian: “Eternal memory to the fallen soldiers-internationalists.” This inscription expresses the main memorial meaning of the monument.

Sculptor: Zh. Kenbay.

Cultural and historical significance: The Monument-Obelisk to Soldiers-Internationalists is one of Aktobe’s important memorial sites connected with military history and public remembrance. It recalls the fate of those who served in the Afghan War, their sense of duty, and the heavy consequences of war for families and society.

The artistic image of a split memorial stone has special symbolic meaning. It represents broken destinies, unfinished lives and the pain of loss. The bronze flower is perceived as a sign of remembrance, mourning and hope for peaceful life.

This site is not only a memorial marker. It is also an important place for shaping historical awareness and helping younger generations understand the value of peace and the tragic lessons of war.

Why is this monument important?

This monument connects the history of the Afghan War with the local memory of Aktobe. Through the stories of soldiers from the region, residents and visitors see not only a historical date, but real human lives and losses.

The monument honours the courage of soldiers-internationalists, while also reminding visitors of the harsh truth of war. For this reason, it is important as a place of respect, remembrance and reflection on the value of peace.

What should visitors notice?

First, notice the form of the memorial stone split in two. This artistic image conveys the tragedy of war, interrupted lives and the grief of families who lost their loved ones.

The five-pointed star refers to the Soviet military era. The bronze flower at the lower part of the monument symbolises eternal memory and respect for the fallen.

The monument’s location at one of the city’s major intersections strengthens its public significance. Commemorative events are held here, bringing together veterans, relatives of the fallen and local residents.

Did you know?

The Afghan War lasted from 25 December 1979 to 15 February 1989.

The war continued for 2,238 days.

More than 22,000 Kazakhstanis took part in the Afghan War.

924 Kazakhstani servicemen were killed, and 21 went missing.

The Aktobe monument is dedicated to 26 fallen soldiers from the region and one local serviceman who went missing.

Read more:

1. Adilet. State list of monuments of history and culture of local significance in Aktobe Region.
2. Kazinform. Aktobe soldiers-internationalists marked the 22nd anniversary of the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan.
3. Qazaqstan Tarihy portal. The Afghan War through the eyes of an artist.
4. Gov.kz. The Afghan War as one of the difficult periods of the Soviet era.